This August, as India celebrates its 68th year of Independence, Animal Planet takes viewers on an exotic journey through the country – from the epic Himalayan Mountains, down the mighty River Ganges, and across less explored landscapes of the North East – to explore its astonishing wildlife, secret locations and pristine natural beauty.

To mark the occasion, Animal Planet launches Yeh Mera India animal anthem, collaborating visuals of spectacular Indian wildlife with thematic lyrics. The multi-lingual song has been composed by Bollywood’s eminent music directors Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and sung by Salim Merchant, Monali Thakur and Neeti Mohan in Hindi, Bangla and Tamil respectively.

Rahul Johri, EVP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said “Yeh Mera India brings you closer to the amazing breadth of natural wonders India has to offer and the splendid wildlife that thrives in it. The anthem amplifies the rich sounds of the flora and fauna from this extraordinary country.”

Anthem composer Salim Merchant said, “Yeh Mera India anthem epitomizes the diversity and richness of fascinating regions in India. Music as a medium helps to build connect across age groups and territories. I believe the anthem would bring viewers closer to the natural world.”

Anthem composer Sulaiman Merchant said, “Yeh Mera India anthem is a melodious composition to rejoice India’s magnificent wildlife. It epitomizes their freedom and encourages viewers to fall in love with them.”
Popular singer and actor Monali Thakur added, “Animal Planet’s Yeh Mera India puts the spotlight on different parts of India, exploring the heart, mind and soul of the country. I am excited to be a part of the celebration and rediscover my own country.”

Popular Bollywood singer Neeti Mohan commented, “I love animals and I’m proud to be associated with Animal Planet. Yeh Mera India inspires viewers to live in harmony with the nature.”

Yeh Mera India is an immersive journey that examines the cultural, ecological and natural heritage of this country. Follow the flow of The Ganges, from the glaciers of the world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas, to the largest bay in the world, the Bay of Bengal. Find out why this river is a lifeline to an array of wild animals including India’s rare one-horned rhinoceros, as well as eight percent of the world’s population. Head high into the Himalayas to find out how its hostile terrain, powerful winds and sub-zero temperatures support one of the largest and most diverse collections of creatures on the planet, including man.

Then travel into a lost world, home to head-hunting tribes, tiger-infested forests, unclimbed mountains and pristine rivers. Visit India’s Thar Desert and discover how this harsh environment supports both humans and some of the toughest and rarest creatures on earth. Finally, journey into the Western Ghats, a spine of mountains stretching for a thousand miles along India’s west coast, thought to be one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. On one side, tropical rainforests thrive and explode with life, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque; whilst on the eastern side, tigers and wild dogs compete for prey in its dry forests.

Yeh Mera India line-up includes programmes like Wildest India, Odisha’s Wetlands, Nagarahole – Tales Creatures Of The Great Rains, Ladakh: Desert In The Skies, Magic Tree Of Assam, In Search Of The King Cobra amongst others.